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Ultimately, the moment of celebration was perfect, under lights under that unique intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the contest – manic Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose with reckless abandon at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. At the heart, the veteran batsman eased the ball away through fine leg to complete his first Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Consider trying to explain why this was more than warm, uplifting and cleansing, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Caught in Its Own Light

A man who already had thirty-nine tons in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. Yet, follow the story, the skill, the jags in the road.

There'll, of course, be a lot of discussion stuff to be resolved. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

But there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding rivalry. Every Australian who knows about cricket is well aware Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Sturdy Handhold

This ton felt significant in other ways, not least as something tangible in the series for this team, a handhold in the glacier.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? It's unclear. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook produce a disastrous stroke? Yes. He did.

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in truly tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s premier batsman coming out at two wickets down for five runs. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Crease

By mid-afternoon, England were 3/175. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

On one side, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, graceful, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

Throughout, a gloom was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro revving up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Reckless Choice

Is it wise to challenge this? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The ball to Brook was full, the edge clear. There is no world where this was a sensible choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Quiet Answer

Thus one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the team's cause.

He offered his own subtle correction, a success for doing your homework, correcting your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what ability ultimately means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.